2D Ica Huacachina Ballestas Islands Paracas

The 2D Ica Huacachina Ballestas Islands Paracas tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the stunning natural wonders and rich cultural heritage of Peru. From the sun-drenched vineyards of Ica to the otherworldly sand dunes of the Huacachina Oasis, this captivating journey promises an unforgettable experience. But the real highlight lies in the Ballestas Islands, where a boat cruise unveils a mesmerizing display of marine life and breathtaking coastal vistas. What secrets do these islands hold, and how will they captivate the senses of the intrepid traveler?

This experience made our list of the 9 Best 2 Day Tours In Paracas.

Contents hide

1 Tour Overview and Pricing

2 Day 1: Ica and Huacachina

3 Winery Visit and Tastings

4 Ica and Huacachina Highlights

5 Day 2: Ballestas Islands

6 Paracas National Reserve

7 Tour Inclusions

8 Tour Exclusions

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

This 2-day tour offers visits to Ica, Huacachina Oasis, Ballestas Islands, and Paracas National Reserve, providing a comprehensive experience of Peru’s coastal attractions.
The tour includes transportation, accommodations, guided tours, and activities such as winery visits, sandboarding, and a boat cruise to see marine life.
Highlights of the tour include exploring the historic Plaza de Armas in Ica, experiencing the thrilling sand cart ride and sandboarding at Huacachina, and witnessing the diverse wildlife of the Ballestas Islands.
The tour is offered in English and Spanish, with a maximum group size of 15 participants, ensuring a personalized and enjoyable experience.
The package price starts at $286 per person, with a free cancellation policy and a reserve now, pay later option available for added flexibility.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

Providing an overview of the 2D Ica Huacachina Ballestas Islands Paracas tour, the package starts from $286.00 per person and spans a duration of 2 days.

The tour is offered in English and Spanish, with a limited group size of 15 participants. Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy, which allows for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

Plus, a reserve now and pay later option is available. Inclusions encompass bus tickets, accommodations, transfers, and guided tours, ensuring a comprehensive and hassle-free experience for visitors.

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Day 1: Ica and Huacachina

The tour kicks off with a bus trip from Lima to Ica, departing at 8:00 am.

Upon arrival at 12:20 pm, participants are picked up from the bus station and transferred to the tour starting point.

The Ica portion begins at 1:00 pm, featuring a winery visit for wine and pisco tasting.

Next, the group explores the Plaza de Armas of Ica and the Temple of Luren ruins.

Afterward, they venture to the Huacachina Oasis, where they enjoy the lagoon views and partake in a thrilling sand cart ride, including sandboarding.

The day concludes with a transfer to the bus terminal and a bus trip from Ica to Paracas, where you will spend the night.

Winery Visit and Tastings

The tour’s winery visit offers participants the chance to sample a variety of locally produced wines and piscos.

The winery visit includes:

A guided tour through the production facilities, where guests can observe the traditional methods used to craft these renowned Peruvian spirits.
A tasting session featuring a selection of award-winning wines and piscos, allowing visitors to explore the diverse flavors and aromas that make Ica’s vintages so celebrated.
An opportunity to purchase bottles of their favorite wines and piscos to take home, ensuring a lasting memento of the region’s rich winemaking heritage.

Following the winery experience, the tour continues to the historic Plaza de Armas of Ica and the ancient Temple of Luren ruins, providing a well-rounded introduction to the area’s cultural and historical significance.

Ica and Huacachina Highlights

After savoring the award-winning wines and piscos at the local winery, the tour continues its exploration of Ica’s highlights.

The first stop is the Plaza de Armas, the historic central square of Ica, where the impressive Temple of Luren stands.

The group then ventures to the enchanting Huacachina Oasis, a desert lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes. Here, participants can hop on a thrilling sandcart ride and experience the adrenaline of sandboarding down the dunes.

The day culminates with breathtaking views of the Huacachina landscape, providing a memorable finale to the Ica and Huacachina segment of the tour.

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Day 2: Ballestas Islands

Early the next morning, the group is picked up and transferred to the Paracas port, where they embark on the 2-hour Ballestas Islands tour.

The boat cruises along the coastline, providing stunning views of the Candelabro figure carved into the cliffs. Along the way, they spot an abundance of marine life, including:

Colonies of sea lions and seals basking on the rocky outcrops.
Vibrant colonies of Humboldt penguins waddling along the shoreline.
A diverse array of coastal birds, such as cormorants, boobies, and pelicans, soaring overhead.

After the tour, the group returns to Paracas for refreshments before setting out to explore the renowned Paracas National Reserve, known for its dramatic landscapes and wildlife.

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Paracas National Reserve

Following the boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, the group now ventures into the renowned Paracas National Reserve.

This diverse coastal reserve boasts a stunning landscape of desert, beaches, and rocky cliffs. Travelers will explore the Mirador de Paracas, a viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the Bay of Paracas and the iconic La Catedral rock formation.

With free time allotted, guests can stroll along the pristine beaches, soaking up the tranquil atmosphere.

The tour provides an opportunity to take in the natural wonders of the Paracas region, complementing the earlier wildlife encounters on the Ballestas Islands.

Tour Inclusions

The tour package includes a comprehensive set of services and amenities to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for participants. This includes:

Roundtrip bus transportation from Lima to Ica and Ica to Paracas, as well as all necessary transfers to and from the various tour sites.
One night’s accommodation in Paracas, allowing participants to fully experience the natural wonders of the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve.
All entrance fees and boarding charges for the Ballestas Islands, Paracas National Reserve, and the desert activities in Ica, ensuring a hassle-free exploration of these iconic destinations.

Tour Exclusions

While the tour package covers a wide range of services, there are a few items that you will need to cover out-of-pocket. These include food and drinks, as well as any extras such as souvenirs, tips, and snacks. Plus, Peruvian travelers will need to pay the IGV (Impuesto General a las Ventas) tax.

Exclusions	Additional Details
Food and Drinks	Participants are responsible for their own meals and beverages during the tour.
Extras	This includes souvenirs, tips, and any additional snacks or refreshments.
IGV for Peruvian Tourists	Peruvian citizens and residents must pay the IGV, a general sales tax, which is not included in the tour price.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour has a limited group size of 15 participants. The small group size ensures a more personalized experience and allows for easy navigation throughout the tour activities.

Is Transportation Provided to and From the Tour Starting Point?

The tour includes transportation to and from the starting point. Specifically, the tour includes pickup from the Ica bus station and transfer to the tour’s starting location in Ica.

Can I Cancel My Booking if I Need To?

Yes, the tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with a full refund. This provides flexibility for participants to change their plans if needed without penalty.

Are Any Meals Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price does not include any meals. Travelers are responsible for covering the cost of their own food and drinks during the 2-day excursion. Snacks and refreshments may be purchased during breaks, but are not part of the included tour package.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Activities?

No special equipment is required for this tour. Travelers should wear comfortable clothing and closed-toed shoes suitable for walking. Sandboarding equipment is provided, and life jackets are available for the Ballestas Islands boat tour.

Recap

The 2D Ica Huacachina Ballestas Islands Paracas tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in Peru’s natural wonders and cultural heritage. From the captivating Ica wineries to the enchanting Huacachina Oasis and the breathtaking Ballestas Islands, this tour provides an unforgettable experience that showcases the diverse beauty and richness of the region. Whether seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, this comprehensive tour is a must-consider for any traveler to Peru.

You can check if your dates are available here: